Deputy Prime Minister Borisov May Resign Amid Quiet Cabinet Reshuffle

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence and Space Industry Yuri Borisov is preparing to step down in the near future, several sources familiar with the matter told RBC, and more ministerial replacements may be in store.

• Borisov's potential departure coincides with President Putin's decision to increase the number of Deputy Prime Ministers to 11 from 10. The new position will likely be taken by Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov in addition to his current portfolio, pending approval of the State Duma. Local media outlets suggest that some of Borisov's responsibilities could be transferred to Manturov.
• Izvestia cites sources noting that the Duma does not rule out further high-profile government nominations and more names can be unveiled as soon as this Friday, when lawmakers are set to vote on Manturov's appointment. The list of senior officials that could be replaced includes Accounts Chamber chief Alexei Kudrin and Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maxut Shadayev.
• It is worth noting that Kudrin is a liberal-leaning fiscal hawk who nonetheless belongs to Putin's inner circle and is believed to have tried to warn the President against the economic cost of his war on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Shadayev's Ministry oversees Roskomnadzor, Russia's main media censor.
• Changes to the Cabinet line-up seem to be part of ongoing efforts to prepare the country for a prolonged period of living under Western sanctions. The government has been drafting plans for import substitution programmes and the development of domestic industry, with Manturov expected to play a key role in their implementation.